• About

Bible Ballistics

~ A WordPress.com site

Bible Ballistics

Tag Archives: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

What “Form” Of Godliness??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #62

18 Wednesday Jan 2023

Posted by Blanche in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Abiding In The Vine, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Flesh-vs-Spirit, Following Jesus, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Is Truth, Jesus Knows, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Which form?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2 Timothy 3:1-5, A Form of godliness?, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding In The Vine, Choosing to follow Jesus, Jesus IS the way, Jesus Saves!, John 1:10-13, John 3:3-7, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, What form do you possess?

What “Form” Of Godliness???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #62

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Paul was instructing this young pastor in many things, including verse 2:15 where he instructed him to “study to shew yourself approved UNTO GOD” (emphasis mine), and then as he continues in chapter 3, he reminds him of the veracity (look it up!) of scripture, and its power to establish our way.  So what is this “form of godliness”?  I think it is the very thing that Jesus talks about in Matthew chapter 7, those who want to impress, succeed, progress, profit, or fit in–regardless of their reasons– those who want to do it their way, but claim to be working “for God” but “denying the power thereof”!  Those who aren’t willing to come to God and let Him work in or through them, for they are too busy doing it ”my way”!  Just as it was then, it is still the same today.  Let’s see what Jesus said about it.

“Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:4-5

I believe that “form of godliness” is the work we do “without” Jesus!  You can talk the talk, and even pretend to walk the walk, but without really knowing and possessing Jesus, and being HIS child, you/I can do little of real value, and virtually of no value to the kingdom of God.  In fact Jesus told Nicodemus something very similar to this– he was a high-placed religious leader– which reminds us that we can have men’s credentials without having Jesus!

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

The Apostle John also wrote about this in chapter 1.

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

Remember the “power” that was denied in 2 Timothy 3 is the power that saves; and just as John says above it’s not by blood (birth, relationships), not by flesh (working it up), nor the will of man (passed on by any other person)!  As the old proverb says, “every pot must sit on its own bottom”!  What are you counting on?  Let’s see what Jesus says.

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he

that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many

wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:21-23

Earlier in this chapter Jesus makes another profound assessment of life choices, which is still true today!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

So, my question for us all is, “Do you/I only have a “form of godliness”?” Or have you been “born again” by the blood of the Lamb which cleanses us from all sin, for Jesus is THE ONLY WAY!

“For all have sinned,

 and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Maybe Not Today Or Tomorrow?? A Word from THE WORD!!! $42

14 Friday Oct 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, Forgiveness, Holiness, Holy Living, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Readiness, Ready or NOT Here Jesus Comes!, Reaping & Sowing, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Salvation, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Seeing Truth

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 John 1:6-10, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Are. you ready for Jesus?, Colossians 1:12-17, Faith, Forgiveness, Forgiveness of Sin, Galatians 5:22-25, Galatians 6:7-10, James 4:4-8, Jesus saves Today, Philippians 1:6, Reap What you sow, Reaping and Sowing, Salvation In Jesus, Sowing and Reaping, Trusting Jesus

Maybe Not Today Or Tomorrow?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #42

Maybe not today or tomorrow but you will reap what you sow, God makes that clear; and while we tend to think we can “slide” into heaven on another’s coattail, we must be born again by the blood of Jesus, and when Jesus saves us, HE transforms our lives.  No, we’re not made perfect and mature in an instant, but we do become the redeemed children of God, and grow IN JESUS!

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him

were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible

and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created

by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.”  Colossians 1:12-17

Has your sin been forgiven?  Paul reminded the Philippian believers that God is the ONE who is working in and through us to bring us to Himself—to glorify Jesus and His Father God through us, when we are saved!!  Who and what are you and I glorifying?  Are we yielding to the work of God in our heart and life—every day? Any day?

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

So, let’s consider today, and every day, what are we sowing?  What do we expect to reap?  Will it be to God’s glory or our shame.  And yes, we all sin and fail our Lord, but is our heart set on pleasing Jesus or self?  When we fail, do we run quicky to HIS feet for forgiveness and restoration?  Or do we fall to the lies of the enemy and run in the opposite direction?  It’s a question that we each must answer.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:7-10

Have you been born again, or are you just “playing church”, trying to convince yourself and others that you are “ok”? (See John 1:11-13 & John 3:16-21) Are you counting on your own good works or the blood of Jesus to save and redeem you by HIS substitutionary (in our place), atoning (paying the price for our sin—mine and yours) sacrifice (the cost of my sin and yours—the very blood of the Son of God, who came to shed HIS blood and “take away the sin of the world”!)?  I pray that God will speak to your heart today, as HE is speaking to me.  May we draw near to our God that we may “withstand in the evil day”, for it is here.  If you’re not aware, the “perilous times” have arrived.

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Is our behavior in this list of wickedness that identifies the world or are we exercising and exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.”  Galatians 5:22-25

Examine the two lists, and ask God to reveal to your heart and mine where we are really aligned—with our Lord or the enemy of the souls of men?  James had a most harsh and yet apropos word to close on today.  What will your answer be?

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not

that the friendship of the world

is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore

will be a friend of the world

is the enemy of God.

5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,

The spirit that dwelleth in us

lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”  James 4:4-8

I pray that God will help each of us to “withstand in the evil day” and be found faithful when HE calls us to Himself; and I can’t help but think that day is nearer than we expect (or are prepared for!).  And just one final reminder that when we fail, we have “an advocate with The Father”!

“If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:6-10

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

It’s Time??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #29

18 Thursday Aug 2022

Posted by Blanche in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Time, Time Is Grace!, To Me To Live Is?, TODAY, Today is the day of Salvation, Tomorrow, Too Late To Call?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2 Corinthians 6;2, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Are You Ready, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 1:20-21, Time, TODAY, Today is the day of Salvation

It’s Time???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #29

Now is the time—now is the day; for this is the day “The Lord has made” and we never have assurance of tomorrow.  Make your choice today.

“(For he saith,

I have heard thee in a time accepted,

and in the day of salvation

have I succoured thee:

behold,

now

is the accepted time;

behold,

now

is the day of salvation.)”  2 Corinthians 6:2

I pray that this post will encourage us to take advantage of today—it is what we have, and we don’t have a guarantee of tomorrow, or another opportunity to come to Jesus, or to serve HIM obediently.  Paul warned his son-in-the-ministry that there would be difficult days ahead, and “perilous times” would come; well, my friends, Paul’s message could have come off the front page of any newspaper in the world!

“This know also,

that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

It saddens my heart that we are not “turning away” but it seems that we are rather inviting the devil into God’s house and work!  I would encourage you to go over this list and look up these words of description of our world now!  Yet, we can avoid this by following some other advice that Paul gave to Timothy, and to us.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

Are you and I using God’s Word to discern or the world’s?  May we truly strive to use God’s Word for our “doctrine…reproof… correction…and instruction in righteousness…”!  And just FYI, “perfect” means maturity not ‘perfection’!

We can have confident assurance that our Lord Jesus is returning, and we are to “Occupy till I come”; yet it seems we have surrendered just as our victory is about to appear.  I would just like to leave us with some food for thought.  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test, and it may be closer than you think.

“According to my earnest expectation

and my hope,

that in nothing I shall be ashamed,

but that with all boldness,

as always,

so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body,

whether it be by life,

or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ,

and to die is gain.”  Philippians 1:20-21

What is it “to you”?  (Don’t miss the “to me” in verse 21, as many quote it and leave that out—it is Paul’s declaration of his decision to be devoted to Jesus in all things—every day)!  Let’s join Paul in devotion to Jesus!!!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Are we living by faith or by sight?  It all belongs to Jesus anyway!!!  Oh, precious Lord Jesus, help me to use my time wisely that I will be found faithful when you come……whenever that may be!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Why We NEED The Altar??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 01

28 Sunday Mar 2021

Posted by Blanche in All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Be not conformed to this world, Changed Lives, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Compromise, Confessing Sin, Consider Your ways, Crucified With Christ, Distractions, Encouragement, Every Knee Shall Bow, Evil will not win, Father's Way!, God Who Sees, Judgment, Listening To God, We NEED an altar!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 John 1:5-10, 1 Peter 5:5-7, 1 Peter 5:8-10, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Altars Are Needed, Bowing before our God, Compromise, Confessing our sin, Isaiah 5:20-23, James 4:6-10, Jeremiah 6:13-17, Jeremiah 8:11-12, John 16:13-14, John 4:21-24, Philippians 3:2-3, Real Worship?, Revelation 3:14-18, Truth, What IS Worship?, Will we bow?

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 01  Why We NEED The Altar???

 

I recently read a social media post longing for the days when we practiced the “altar call” in more of our churches.  I so identified with the writer, for I know that same longing; yet there was a response disclaiming, of sorts, this longing with the thought that we didn’t need the altar for “everyone” is worshipping, and that the “body of worship” is the new altar.  Well, I would beg to differ, and I’d like to address the reasons I differ.  The altar was the center, the heart of most churches—it wasn’t just the more charismatic churches, but Baptist churches, and Methodist churches and Presbyterian churches, and others who all called congregants to the altar at the conclusion of the services.  Why?  That is the issue, and what I long for; a return to a time when we are called to decide if we will truly hear and heed the Word of The Lord, to respond in obedient to submission to the call of The Lord to each heart.

Today we seem to just glory in the volume of the music, and the activity of raised hands or shouts of glory, but I’ve often watched the faces of the congregation turn to stone after all of this “praise” when The Word of God is opened.  Where is the longing to please God by hearing His Word and responding to the conviction of The Holy Spirit calling us to face our sin, to repent or to yield to God’s direction in our everyday living?  What is worship after all?  It’s not the genre of our music, or the cut of our clothing, or even which translation of the Bible you may use; worship is a life lived in obedience and devotion to God. Even as Jesus said:

“Jesus saith unto her,

Woman, believe me,

the hour cometh,

when ye shall neither in this mountain,

nor yet at Jerusalem,

worship the Father.

22 Ye worship ye know not what:

we know what we worship:

for salvation is of the Jews.

23 But the hour cometh,

and now is,

when the true worshippers

shall worship the Father

in spirit

and in truth:

for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit:

and they that worship him

must worship him in spirit

and in truth.”  John 4:21-24

And what is this Spirit by which we are to come to God?  It is the indwelling Holy Spirit, the New Covenant, of Jesus who will lead us into all truth.

“Howbeit when he,

the Spirit of truth,

is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you

things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine, and

shall shew it unto you.”   John 16:13-14

And what is this truth—it is all The Word of God (the written word and The Living Word)—that which touches the hearts of HIS own and enables us to live holy lives that display God and His Word before a lost and dying world.  Conviction, restoration and truth can be found at an altar—for we who belong to Jesus or want to—by bringing our burdens to lay them at HIS feet!  We are to bring our faults and our failures for His forgiveness and cleansing, as well as our burdens.

“This then is the message

which we have heard of him,

and declare unto you,

that God is light,

and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him,

and walk in darkness,

we lie,

and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light,

as he is in the light,

we have fellowship one with another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us

our sins,

and to cleanse us from

all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word

is not in us.”   1 John 1:5-10

God is ever at work conforming us into the image of HIS Son Jesus (See Ro. 8:28-29), yet so many today seem to be content with a praise that omits a life of holiness.  Much like the crowd that greeted Jesus with “Hosanna” on Sunday yet cried “Crucify HIM” four days later.  We want a ‘worship’ that makes us feel good but requires nothing of us: no repentance, no recognition of sin, no willingness to align our lives with The Word of God.  What do I mean, well, let’s be blunt:  we live the way we want, singing “Praise the Lord” on Sunday and curse like the world on Monday; we lift our hands on Sunday and join hands in living with one to whom we’re not married with no compunction or shame and we could go on, but Jeremiah describes much of the Christian culture today, much better than I—yet it grieves my heart.

“For from the least of them

even unto the greatest of them

every one is given to covetousness;

and from the prophet

even unto the priest

every one dealeth falsely.

14 They have healed also

the hurt of the daughter of my people

slightly, saying,

Peace, peace;

when there is no peace.

15 Were they ashamed

when they had committed abomination?

nay, they were not at all ashamed,

neither could they blush:

therefore they shall fall among them that fall:

at the time that I visit them

they shall be cast down,

saith the LORD.

16 Thus saith the LORD,

Stand ye in the ways,

and see,

and ask for the old paths,

where is the good way,

and walk therein,

and ye shall find rest for your souls.

But they said,

We will not walk therein.

17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying,

Hearken to the sound of the trumpet.

But they said,

We will not hearken.”  Jeremiah 6:13-17

“For they have healed

the hurt of the daughter of my people

slightly, saying,

Peace, peace;

when there is no peace.

12 Were they ashamed

when they had committed abomination?

nay, they were not at all ashamed,

neither could they blush:

therefore shall they fall among them that fall:

in the time of their visitation

they shall be cast down,

saith the LORD.”  Jeremiah 8:11-12

Much like our culture, Israel had chosen to be “religious” but not faithful to God.  They renamed sin, just like we do, but it remains sin—then and now, and there is a price to pay!

“Woe unto them that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness for light,

and light for darkness;

that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them that are mighty

to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked

for reward,

and take away the righteousness

of the righteous from him!”  Isaiah 5:20-23

Paul warned Timothy of the peril of sin and its toll on mankind and the world; and it would worsen with time.

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Paul also made a most profound statement to the Philippian church, that I think we ought to take to heart today.

“Beware of dogs,

beware of evil workers,

beware of the concision.

3 For we are the circumcision,

which worship God in the spirit,

and rejoice in Christ Jesus,

and have no confidence

in the flesh.”  Philippians 3:2-3

It’s all about being faithful to “worship God in the spirit”, to “rejoice in Christ Jesus”, and most of all to “have no confidence in the flesh”!  We must return to the altars of days gone by and seek God’s face in repentance, mourning and hope.  Our God hears and answers prayers, and as John said above (in 1 John 1:5-10) we can find forgiveness, and restoration in God, and HE will “cleanse us from all unrighteousness”!  And confess means to agree with God that our sin IS SIN!  We must stop this attitude of self-satisfaction, and seek God’s face, and as the woman at the well, hear Jesus’ assessment of our sin, repent and receive His forgiveness, restoration and cleansing.

What is the altar all about?  Good question.  It is the place of sacrifice—the place of recognizing our sin, and the offering of a sacrifice for it.  The Old Testament believer would take the required animal, slay it before the priest in confession of sin; then he would take the blood and burn it upon the altar, to cover the sin.  Jesus came to be the sin offering for all sin—the ultimate sacrifice.  So, when we come to the altar, we come recognizing our sin and failure to be what God has called us to be, seeking HIS forgiveness and the application of HIS redeeming blood and grace!

“the blood of Jesus Christ his Son

cleanseth us from all sin”!

Oh, that we could be willing to humble ourselves before our God and seek HIS face in all we do, even bowing at an altar!

“But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore

to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted, and mourn,

and weep:

let your laughter be turned to mourning,

and your joy to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves

in the sight of the Lord,

and he shall lift you up.”  James 4:6-10

The altar is to be a place to bow and draw nearer to God, to seek His face, to discern HIS will for our lives.  The old-timers sometimes referred to the altar (or a portion of it) as the “mourner’s bench”—a place where we intercede over the sins, needs and wickedness of our world.  Oh, that we could have a heart as Daniel had to pray for his people, not in arrogance and self-righteousness, but in identifying with his people, and calling on God to move and call HIS people to HIMSELF in repentance!  Oh, that we would hold ourselves to God’s standard, and humble ourselves in all our ways.

As we see in scripture, over and over again.

“Likewise, ye younger,

submit yourselves unto the elder.

Yea, all of you be subject

one to another,

and be clothed

with humility:

for God resisteth the proud,

and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth for you.”  1 Peter 5:5-7

And as Peter goes on to say, we are to trust to God’s care in humble dependence upon HIM, resisting the devil in faith!

“Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.”  1 Peter 5:8-10

I simply pray that God will take this message and touch my heart and yours, and that we will flock to that altar to find renewed love, holiness, peace, and power to change the world!  So, let’s come to HIM in confidence, seeking HIS face and ways, and not our own, as the church at Laodicea did.  May we take heed to the very words of our Lord and Savior and “see” truth!

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write;

These things saith the Amen,

the faithful

and true witness,

the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works,

that thou art neither cold nor hot:

I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm,

and neither cold nor hot,

I will spue thee

out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest,

I am rich,

and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing;

and knowest not

that thou art wretched,

and miserable,

and poor,

and blind,

and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold

tried in the fire,

that thou mayest be rich;

and white raiment,

that thou mayest be clothed,

and that the shame of thy nakedness

do not appear;

and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve,

that thou mayest see.”  Revelation 3:14-18

May HE open our eyes “that thou mayest see”!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...

Nothing New??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 13

31 Sunday May 2020

Posted by Blanche in 'Tis The Season?, Be Fruitful And Multiply!, Be not conformed to this world, By Him We Live, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Compromise, Consider Your ways, Conviction, Darkness or Light?, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, For Such A Time As This, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, If not now? When?, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus Is Coming!, Judgment, Justice, Light In The Dark, Nothing New, One Day Too Late?, Our God Reigns, Righteousness, Seeing Truth, Stand Fast, Still Will I Trust HIM, That They May Know, Thy Kingdom Come, Time, Time Is Grace!, Victory IN Jesus!, Who are YOU following?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 John 3:9-13, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Ecclesiastes 1:9-11, Ephesians 4:1-7, Galatians 5:16-26, Genesis 4:8-10, Hebrews 10:23-24, Hebrews 11:3-4, Jeremiah 2:12-13, John 15:1-5, Nothing New, Proverbs 14:12, Right or Wrong?, Romans 14:11-12, Romans 1:28-32, Who are YOU following?, Who will you follow?

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 13    Nothing New???

 

King Solomon said it most eloquently:

“The thing that hath been,

it is that which shall be;

and that which is done

is that which shall be done:

and there is no new thing

under the sun.

10 Is there any thing

whereof it may be said,

See,

this is new?

it hath been already of old time,

which was before us.

11 There is no remembrance

of former things;

neither shall there be any remembrance

of things that are to come

with those that shall come after.”    Ecclesiastes 1:9-11

Sadly, it seems, each generation forgets the lessons of the past.  And our world has not only forgotten the faithfulness of our God, but the countless times and ways that He has stood by us through trials and conflicts.  Our culture, our world, has chosen to forsake God, and exercise hatred, greed and jealousy, which ever seem to follow close on the heels of God’s faithfulness since mankind chooses to sin by his own will.  While we often blame others, the times, the culture, the temptations—the truth is, we have each chosen to go our own way!  Will you choose Jesus and His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice or your own way?  God has given us the freedom to choose, but each choice will bring a consequence, so choose wisely, there is a test!

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof are the ways of death.”   Proverbs 14:12

The very first parents saw their poor choices affect their children—one chose God’s way, the other chose to go his own way; and the consequence was disastrous!

“And Cain talked with Abel his brother:

and it came to pass,

when they were in the field,

that Cain rose up

against Abel his brother,

and slew him.

9 And the LORD said unto Cain,

Where is Abel thy brother?

And he said,

I know not:

Am I my brother’s keeper?

10 And he said,

What hast thou done?

the voice of thy brother’s blood

crieth unto me

from the ground.”   Genesis 4:8-10

Sin never escapes God’s sight, and HE WILL bring justice to light in HIS time!  He created this world and HE will bring all accounts to their right judgment—in HIS time (and I can’t believe it’s very far away!)!  Abel chose wisely!  How about you?

“Through faith we understand

that the worlds were framed

by the word of God,

so that things which are seen

were not made of things

which do appear.

4 By faith

Abel offered unto God

a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,

by which he obtained witness

that he was righteous,

God testifying of his gifts:

and by it

he being dead

yet speaketh.”   Hebrews 11:3-4

“Whosoever is born of God

doth not commit sin;

for his seed remaineth in him:

and he cannot sin,

because he is born of God.

10 In this the children of God

are manifest,

and the children of the devil:

whosoever doeth not righteousness

is not of God,

neither he that loveth not

his brother.

11 For this is the message that ye heard

from the beginning,

that we should love one another.

12 Not as Cain,

who was of that wicked one,

and slew his brother.

And wherefore slew he him?

Because his own works were evil,

and his brother’s righteous.

13 Marvel not, my brethren,

if the world hate you.”  1 John 3:9-13

We see those who have seemingly gone crazy, those who have taken the opportunity to run amuck, using any excuse to do so; what is the difference between them and me?  When the causes we claim to follow and support turn into wreck, havoc and riot, what do we do?  We must come back to the principles of God and remember that sin is sin, and when we abandon God’s ways, there is a price to pay; compromise with sin/evil will never produce good results!  And our culture has given itself over to pursue sin and evil with a vengeance; rejecting the principles of God and His Word;  using the name of Jesus for a by-word, not the name of the Son of God; are we standing fast with our Lord, or delighting in the sinful ways of those around us.

“Woe unto them

that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,

and sin as it were with a cart rope:

19 That say,

Let him make speed,

and hasten his work,

that we may see it:

and let the counsel

of the Holy One of Israel

draw nigh

and come,

that we may know it!

20 Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness

for light,

and light

for darkness;

that put bitter

for sweet,

and sweet

for bitter!

21 Woe unto them

that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty

to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked

for reward,

and take away

the righteousness

of the righteous

from him!”  Isaiah 5:18-23

There always have been evil men, and today is no exception, even as Paul warned us of those who are not only evil but take pleasure in doing evil and causing others to follow in their evil schemes.  The choice is yours—who will you follow?  Whom will you believe?  Will you join evil people or “withstand in the evil day”?  (See Ephesians 6:10-19).

God gave you the freedom to choose, but you do not have the freedom to set the consequences!

“And even as they did not like to retain God

in their knowledge,

God gave them over

to a reprobate mind,

to do those things

which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all

unrighteousness,

fornication,

wickedness,

covetousness,

maliciousness;

full of envy,

murder,

debate,

deceit,

malignity;

whisperers,

30 Backbiters,

haters of God,

despiteful,

proud,

boasters,

inventors of evil things,

disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding,

covenantbreakers,

without natural affection,

implacable,

unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God,

that they which commit such things

are worthy of death,

not only do the same,

but have pleasure in them

that do them.”  Romans 1:28-32

And this is scripture—not off of the front page of the newspaper!  We live in a culture that is like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum, only the results are far more deadly—it is destroying lives and property—the very means by which we can live and be productive.  Yet we see rack and riot on every hand, produced not by those who have suffered offense, but by those who desire to cause more offense, and take pleasure in the sin that is rampant, for we have chosen a disastrous course!  But one that God has told us beforehand would come.

“Be astonished,

O ye heavens,

at this,

and be horribly afraid,

be ye very desolate,

saith the LORD.

13 For my people have committed two evils;

they have forsaken me

the fountain of living waters,

and hewed them out cisterns,

broken cisterns,

that can hold no water.”   Jeremiah 2:12-13

We, the culture and our world, have not only chosen broken cisterns over living water, but we have walked head-long into the perilous times that God warned us would come!

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

So, my question for us today is, will we choose to stand for the right, to be (not just talk about, but “BE”) true reflections of the glory and truth of GOD?   It is our calling—a calling that only the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us can accomplish!

“I therefore,

the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you that ye walk worthy

of the vocation

wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness

and meekness,

with longsuffering,

forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body,

and one Spirit,

even as ye are called

in one hope

of your calling;

5 One Lord,

one faith,

one baptism,

6 One God and Father

of all,

who is above all,

and through all,

and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us

is given grace

according to the measure

of the gift of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:1-7

Even as Jesus reminds us, it is by HIS Power—our abiding in HIM that produces fruit.  Are you abiding in Jesus?  If not, what are you abiding in?

“I am the true vine,

and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me

that beareth not fruit

he taketh away:

and every branch

that beareth fruit,

he purgeth it,

that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean

through the word

which I have spoken

unto you.

4 Abide in me,

and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit

of itself,

except it abide in the vine;

no more can ye,

except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 15:1-5

If we will ‘abide” in HIM, HE will produce fruit—HIS fruit in and through us!  Paul also made it clear for us all—we must choose to let GOD work in us, by the power of His Holy Spirit.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil

the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh

lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit

against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things

that ye would…

… 25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”   Galatians 5:16-17 & 25-26

Yet rather, as the author of Hebrews reminds us, provoke one another to good works; as our Pastor Brad always says, “good, good works” (not just ‘good works’ to impress or gain for ourselves, but doing good things for the right reasons!)!

“Let us hold fast

the profession of our faith

without wavering;

(for he is faithful that promised😉

24 And let us consider one another

to provoke unto love

and to good works:”   Hebrews 10:23-24

May we truly be those who are found faithful, regardless of what the world says or does.  And the day is coming, rapidly I believe, when we will be the scape-goat—but may we be found to be “busy about my Father’s business”!

“So then every one of us

shall give account of himself

to God.”  Romans 14:11-12

Amen and Amen!!!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 483 other subscribers

Recent Posts

  • God IS ABLE!!! A Word from THE WORD!!! #63
  • Church Wanted: Conclusion??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 20 No. 01
  • What “Form” Of Godliness??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #62
  • Church Wanted: Dead Or Alive??? Pt. 2 Bible Ballistics: Repost
  • A Peaceful Moment??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #61

Categories

Blogroll

  • Bible Ballistics on FaceBook
  • Get Polling
  • WordPress.com News

Christian Resources

  • Bible Gateway

Ministries

  • Hell's Best Kept Secret
  • Living Waters Publications
  • Precept Ministries
  • Pregnancy Resource Center of SW Oklahoma
  • Ship to Shore Ministries

Translate

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Bible Ballistics
    • Join 184 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Bible Ballistics
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
%d bloggers like this: